South Acres Dog Fields - Thirsk

South Acres Dog Fields sits on the outskirts of Thirsk, and if you've got a dog in tow, it's worth knowing about. This is proper working farmland turned over to letting dogs off the lead without the anxiety of traffic or livestock worries - a rare thing in North Yorkshire. The fields are open and reasonably well-maintained, with enough space that your dog won't spend the whole time dodging other animals.

It's not a destination by itself, mind you. No café, no facilities beyond the obvious, no walking trails to speak of. But as part of a longer day out in the area, it's genuinely useful. If you're staying at Woodland Lakes Lodges or Hillside Caravan Park - both within a few miles - and you've got a spaniel or border collie that needs a proper run, this beats wrestling with a lead around the town centre.

Walkers without dogs won't find much here. It's flat, functional, and the point is to let the animals burn off energy, not to enjoy countryside vistas. If the weather's been wet, expect mud. Twenty minutes is enough unless your dog's particularly social and wants to play with every other visitor.

The big plus: it's free, as far as I can gather, and genuinely dog-focused rather than shoe-horned into a general park. That counts for something. Check ahead though - these things can change hands or close without warning. Worth a quick call to Thirsk tourist information before you rely on it.